However, the Rams made the biggest gain of any California team with an average climb of 7.8 spots and averaged a 12.6 ranking. It’s safe to say their 17-13 at the Cardinals resonated with the pollsters.

The Chargers climbed three spots in USA Today’s ranking despite their second-half home collapse to the previous winless Saints in a 35-34 loss. San Diego will bring an average ranking of 24.2 into Week 5. The Chargers have this week’s distinction of being the state’s most difficult team to figure out. Their Hi/Low mark of 21/30 features the widest discrepancy of the four teams.

The 49ers, losers of three in a row, have an average ranking of 29.4 following their 24-17 home loss to the Cowboys. It’s not going to be easy for the 49ers to make much headway in a different direction, with the season-ending Achilles’ injury suffered by defensive leader NaVorro Bowman in Sunday’s loss.

Sorting the data:

Raiders

Average rank: 9.6

Average change: +5.6

High/low: 9/11

From ESPN (No. 9): “The Raiders sit 3-1 through four games and you can’t blame Raider Nation for being excited. The Raiders haven’t been 3-1 or better through four games since the 2002 season, which also happens to be their last Super Bowl appearance.”

From ESPN (No. 29): “Blaine Gabbert has some speed, but is it the best idea to have him run so much? His 29 rushes this season are tied for most in the NFL with Cam Newton, but Gabbert is averaging only 3.5 yards per rush.”

Compiled by Jeff Caraska

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